Hardik, Rahul gets flak for ‘ crass, sexist ’ to talk

India cricketers Hardik Pandya and K L Rahul found
themselves on a sticky wicket after social media erupted in fury
following their comments on filmmaker Karan Johar’s talk show.

Their remarks about their personal lives were described as “crass,
cringeworthy, misogynistic, sexist, racist, and in poor taste”,
among other criticisms. The BCCI, on Wednesday morning, sent both cricketers
a showcause notice, asking them to explain their comments.

CoA member Diana Edulji is understood to be livid
with Pandya’s statements on the show and wanted the duo to be
handed a ban of one or more matches. There is also talk that BCCI
may be thinking of banning India players from appearing on any show
not related to cricket.

I am sincerely regretful: Hardik

At 7am, Australia time, a good 10 hours before he and Rahul would
receive the showcause, Pandya tweeted an apology, saying he “got
carried away by the nature of the show”.

Hours later, he drafted a reply to BCCI’s notice that read: “As you
are aware, I made an appearance on the chat show where I have made
certain statements without realising that these could be
disrespectful and offend sensitivities of viewers for which I am
sincerely regretful. I would like to assure you that there was no
malice or any sort of ill-intent on my part to offend anyone or
portray any section of the society in bad light. I made these
statements in the flow of the show and had not comprehended the
extent to which my statements would be found offensive”.

He added that he holds the BCCI in highest regard and would
exercise complete discretion and prudence in the future.

There was no response on social media platforms from Rahul, who
instead chose to post pictures of the team partying post the series
win in Australia.

CoA chairman Vinod Rai hasn’t taken a call yet on what kind of
action should be taken against Pandya. However, Edulji is very
clear that the two cricketers should receive a ban for their
actions, according to sources.

“Cricketers over the years, even while bonding with filmstars, have
maintained their distance for the simple reason that their primary
role is representing the country. Comments like these don’t show
anyone in good light. This is sad. Someone of the stature of Bishen
Singh Bedi also did not get away with going on a television show in
the 70s and was handed a one-match ban,” sources in the Board
said.